How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Current US federal guidance generally recommends using refrigerated cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days when they were handled properly and kept at 40°F / 4°C or below.
Official sources checked September 13, 2026 Based on official US food-safety guidance Independent site
Use the 3–4 day window carefully
The 3–4 day guidance concerns supported cooked leftovers, not every food. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F / 4°C or below, and follow any more specific product instructions. A food’s type and handling can change the right advice.
Storage times by type of food
FoodSafety.gov’s cold food storage chart gives these refrigerator and freezer times for leftovers:
Cooked meat or poultry
3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, and 2 to 6 months in the freezer.
Chicken nuggets or patties
3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, and 1 to 3 months in the freezer.
Pizza
3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, and 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
Soups and stews with vegetables or meat added
3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, and 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Egg, chicken, ham, tuna and macaroni salads
3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. These do not freeze well.
The chart sets the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below and the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. It has no entry for cooked rice, and this checker does not currently give a US answer for rice.
Initial handling still matters
Refrigeration is not a reset button. If food was left out longer than the applicable federal limit before it went into the refrigerator, cooling it afterward does not make that earlier exposure safe. The checker asks about that initial time out before considering refrigerated storage.
This is US guidance: it does not use the UK two-day cooked-leftover rule or the UK 24-hour cooked-rice rule.
Cooling and storing
The FDA says to refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours, and to use a refrigerator thermometer to be sure the temperature is 40°F or below. USDA advises dividing large amounts of food into shallow containers so that it cools quickly. If the air temperature is above 90°F, the time out drops to 1 hour; see how long leftovers can sit out.
Reheating leftovers
USDA says leftovers should reach 165°F as measured with a food thermometer when reheated. Sauces, soups and gravies should be brought to a rolling boil. In the microwave, cover and rotate the food for even heating, vent the lid or wrap so steam can escape, and check the temperature in several places.
Counting the days
Suppose a roast dinner is cooked on Sunday and in the refrigerator by 8:00pm. The 3 to 4 day window runs through Wednesday and ends around Thursday evening. The checker treats about 4 days as the point to use the food now, and anything beyond 4 days as a discard. If you want some margin, plan to finish the food by day 3.
Next step
Use the checker when you know the food was a supported cooked leftover, how long it was out before refrigeration, how long it has been refrigerated, and whether the refrigerator was cold enough.
Common questions
Can I eat leftovers on day 5?
That is beyond the 3 to 4 day window. The checker treats it as a discard.
What if my refrigerator is warmer than 40°F?
The guidance assumes 40°F / 4°C or below. If your refrigerator is warmer, or you do not know, the checker will say it cannot confirm the answer safely.
Does this cover cooked rice?
Not for the US. The chart we rely on does not list cooked rice, and the checker does not currently give a US rice answer.
Related guidance
Initial handling is unclear? Read how long leftovers can sit out under US guidance. Looking for UK guidance? Read the UK leftovers-in-the-fridge guide. USDA also publishes leftovers and food safety guidance
Use the checker for your situation
This page explains general US federal guidance. Check your food using the relevant supported situation.
Sources and scope
Last checked: September 13, 2026.
This resource is based on United States federal guidance for the situations described. It does not replace the checker’s questions or food-specific storage instructions.
Safe to Eat? is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the authorities cited above.